Winter in the mountains is often synonymous with skiing and snowboarding, but there is a wide range of activities for those who don’t practice these sports. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or on your own, the mountains offer countless opportunities to enjoy snowy landscapes and fresh mountain air.
Discover these winter activities you can enjoy without putting on skis (which may also inspire experienced skiers looking for a new mountain experience!).
Just because you’re not skiing or snowboarding doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the thrill of sliding sports during a mountain holiday.
Take sledding, for example: it delights children but can also be great fun for adults. Many resorts offer dedicated sledding runs,
often free of charge and sometimes lit up for magical night-time descents. If you don’t have a sled, consider renting one with Sport 2000: online or in-store, our shops offer sled rentals for both children and adults.
Even more exciting sledding alternatives are available in many resorts across France:
Without focusing purely on sliding sports, there are plenty of winter activities you can enjoy during a mountain holiday in France.
Snowshoe hiking is one of the most popular activities and has the advantage of being accessible to everyone. There are trails of varying difficulty, and you can even join guided excursions with a mountain guide. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in mountain nature and discover landscapes inaccessible from ski slopes!
Most Sport 2000 shops offer snowshoe rentals. Remember to book online for stays anywhere in France: the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Massif Central, the Jura, or the Vosges.
For more adrenaline, why not try an electric fat bike descent? A paragliding tandem flight? Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls? A zipline ride? Or even scuba diving under a frozen lake? There’s no shortage of activity ideas, whether you’re heading to the Alps, the Pyrenees, or another mountain range in France.
A winter mountain holiday is also a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and a preserved natural environment.
Through guided tours, you can learn more about cheese-making, life on alpine farms, local architectural features, and regional flora and fauna.
Don’t miss the local markets, packed with delicious regional products. Cured meats, cheeses, honey, jams, and other local specialties await. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a gourmet stroll through the village and bring home tasty souvenirs from your mountain holiday.
Be sure to explore the points of interest around your resort: the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the fortified town of Briançon in Serre Chevalier, Lac Blanc in the Vosges Mountains, the Cirque de Gavarnie in the Hautes-Pyrénées, or views of the Barre des Écrins from Puy-Saint-Vincent. France’s mountains are truly inspiring and offer stunning photo spots—even without skiing!
Whether you don’t want to ski, the weather isn’t great, or there’s not enough snow, ski resorts all offer indoor activities.
These include sports complexes, such as those found in Val Thorens, Megève, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Tignes, Val d’Isère, and more. These facilities often offer climbing, racket sports, team sports, fitness classes, yoga, and more.
For relaxation, there are also wellness centers, ranging from aqualudic areas to spas. Many resorts feature modern facilities with jacuzzis, saunas, hammams, heated pools, and dedicated children’s areas.
In terms of entertainment, some resorts also offer bowling alleys, cinemas, concerts, family events, nightclubs, and more.
As you can see, skiing is far from the only thing to do when you go on a winter mountain holiday. Adventure lovers, hiking enthusiasts, travelers seeking new experiences, or those looking for a relaxing break—there’s something for everyone beyond the ski slopes.
Before booking your holiday, we recommend checking the resort’s Tourist Office website. You’ll find detailed information on non-ski activities, opening times, prices, and more, helping you plan your stay as smoothly as possible.